NAME: ___________________________________________ DATE: __________

MODERATOR: ____________________________________

Laboratory Activity # 13
SIMPLE LIGHT REFRACTION
Introduction:
In many materials, such as glass, plastic, or water, the light also goes through the
material or body. For example, I can see my face when light is reflected from the
surface of water such as a swimming pool, which means that water reflects light. At the
same time, I can see the bottom of the swimming pool, which means light is reflected
from the bottom of the pool then transmitted through the water and then into the air to
my eye.
Light travels in straight lines until it encounters another material where it is partially
reflected and partially transmitted. We learned that the angle of incidence is equal to the
angle of reflection and the angles do not depend on the nature of the material. In
refraction we will learn that the angle of the ray when transmitted through the material
changes and depends on the speed of light in the two materials. Many phenomena
encountered in our daily lives can be simply explained on the basis of refraction and
reflection. Some of these are: why do fish look larger in the water, what causes a spoon
to appear bent in a glass of water, why does light travel indefinitely in an optical cable,
and of course, how are rainbows, and mirages formed, etc.

Materials:
● Two pieces of white paper
● Marker
● 2 empty bottles (1.5 L)
● Masking tape
Procedures:

1. Draw two arrows on each piece of paper. On one piece, draw the arrows pointing
in the same direction. On the other piece, draw on arrow pointing to the left and
the other pointing to the right.
2. Fill up the bottles. Put the lid back on.
 3. Tape the pieces of paper to a wall. Then place the bottle in front of each and
watch what happens!
Guide Questions:
1. What happens when you put the bottles with water in front of the paper?

2. Does it make a difference how close the water is to the paper?

3. Does it make a difference if the container is square or round? What about the
size of the container?

4. Draw a diagram of what you think is happening to the light rays.

Conclusion